REGENT THEATRE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12610, 20 July 1935, Page 7

REGENT THEATRE

“THE, MERRY WIDOW

SPARKLING- ENTERTAINMENT

Delighted and enthusiastic audiences' greeted each screening of the brilliant, operetta, “The Merry Window' ’ at the Regent Theatre yesterday. In ilB revival, “The Merry Widow” ha-- lost none of; its gaiety and abandon. The 'highlights otf the play demand an exquisite philanderer, at. home ,in the ..giddiest whirl op Parisian nightlife, •'adored by domi'-mondes, ybt dangeronh to the peace of more virtuous beauty. The Chevalier model for such [ a. part could only occur once in ecnI buricsi; it is a gift to- this generation, unique in its audacious perfection. with Paris stamped all over .it. i Ft is a. triumph, too, for Chevalier the actor', not only n.y the all-embrac-ing lover of the cates, but as tho subtle lover of drawingrooms and moonlight terra cos. The foil for this frc-e-lover is the beautiful Jeanette Macdonald, gifted- with a perfect Voice, wh’eb makes Sonia’s baloney song a lovely thing that give; new grace to the story. The merry widow tit the play ih a. privileged creature lipon whom the fortunes of a small Continental monarchy depend and it is in a tangle off court intrigue that she becomes both pursuer and pursued in a. love .'affair of very ri-'ky •moments in Maxim’s and elsewhere. “The Merry Widow” is essentially melodious, but it is also highly dramatic, Its good qualities have all been greatly improved in this delightful screen version, which is staged on a scale op splendour in dressing and scenery whoso late development has been made possible only b ( v the talking screen. The supporting programme is said to- be most enjoyable'-